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Israel’s policies in West Bank and other districts are depriving Palestinians of basic necessities thereby making them victim of violence and bloodshed. The airstrikes by Israeli warplanes is nothing unusual. The economic blockade has added to the miseries especially of women, children and new borns. The bitter truth is that the people of Gaza are suffering.
Around 21 organisations like Oxfam, Amnesty International and others gives the same kind of reports. The Human Rights organizations in Palestine have been apprising of its deteriorating condition. On the other hand international community is silent about it. Indeed, Palestinians are in dire need of help. Around 60 people gathered at Rajghat. The General Secretary of Akhil Bhartiya Congress and former central minister and parliamentarian, Mani Shanker Aiyyar also participated in the meeting.
A peace Caravan was flagged off from Rajghat to Gaza. Perhaps for the first time such an ambitious caravan through land route has been planned to express solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Digvijay Singh said that India has been an ardent supporter of independence of Palestine. However, the statement of Mani Shanker Aiyyar was quite encouraging. He has been a supporter of Palestine movement.
He said that the situation has altogether taken a different turn. His candid statement is laudable. Despite the limitation of the governments in different countries of the world, the peace caravan received plethora of support.
In the Caravan of Pro Palestine Federation, Asian People’s Solidarity for Palestine, 60 members from India, around 500 people participated from Pakistan ,Indonesia, Malaysia, Japan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Iran, Iraq, Sham ,Omaan, Turkey, Lebanan and Egyptian countries.
On 27th of December the peace caravan was about to reach Gaza as on this day marks the third anniversary of Gaza’s capture by Israel. The peace caravan had people from all walks of life, like film directors, actors, journalists, intellectuals and Human Rights workers. In India around 80 organisations supported the caravan which includes social service institutions, liberal organizations, religious organisations, students, journalists and social workers.
The original plan of Caravan organizers was to take a land route from Asia to Gaza by crossing Wagah border on 2nd of December. From Lahore to Karachi to Quetta, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon then from Egypt to Gaza.
Pakistan refused to give visa to members of Indian peace caravan considering security reasons. Later the visa was accepted till Lahore but for only 29 members out of 60. Rest of the visas were refused by Pakistan High Commission. Pakistan’s action was intriguing. Was it under pressure of America and Israel? Or else Pakistan considers the people in Caravan as threat to their security.
The Pakistan High Commision has been giving assurance of support to the peace caravan. It was even said that if the members of caravan come at 12 midnight they will be issued visas.
Despite such assurances the Pakistan High Commission clearly stated on 1st December that it can’t provide protection to the members of Caravan. It indeed escalated skepticism towards the government of Pakistan.
When 29 members of Peace caravan reached Wagah border. They were shocked to know that the officials at Wagah had no clue regarding Peace Caravan.
A massive protest was demonstrated on both sides of the border. Later when the members of Caravan were returning from Punjab to Delhi at 9 in the night received information that they can cross the border tomorrow.
Indeed the 29 Indian members crossed Wagah border where dozens of Pakistanis welcomed them. A huge ceremony at Wagah border took place. Later all members went to Lahore, stayed there for 2 days and went back to their homelands. From there they took a flight to Iran.
Prior the departure of Peace Caravan to Gaza, various demonstrations, film seminars and processions were organized to manifest the pain and difficulties of Palestinians.
After coming back from Gaza the members of Caravan will organize conferences in 15 big cities to enthuse a spirit of brotherhood and peace among the masses and the government of India. Just the way Mahatama Gandhi, Jawahar Lal Nehru and Indira Gandhi supported them.
Be it in any corner of the world, India has always been an ardent supporter of independence movement. Mahatama Gandhi used to say that Palestine is of Palestinians as Turkey is of Turkish people, Iran of Iranians and Hindustan of Hindustanis. Despite the obstacles the caravan got immense support.
It manifest that the government of India, Pakistan and Israel is apprehensive about the caravan. It seems that all eyes are stuck on Peace Caravan. Would it be able to reach Gaza?
Will Israel allow the Peace caravan to enter Gaza or will it be stopped like Freedom Flotilla? Of course, any obstruction will be problematic for India. Suffice to say that the success of peace caravan will prove to be a milestone in history of friendship and brotherhood between India and Palestine.
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